Yes, they come in the mail. They are shipped from Minnesota, priority mail. They left the hatchery Monday night and arrived at our post office Wednesday morning, early. Brett jumped in the car and went down to fetch them while I put the finishing, welcoming touches on their brooder and turned on the heat lamp.
Brett returned home with our box of chicks.
They were smushed together in the small box, but all alive and chirping like mad.
We put them in their brooder, in Lucy's stall, after dipping their little beaks in water to encourage them to drink.
I also mixed up some bright green goo -- a mix that provided hydration and an energy boost to help with recovery after their journey.
So far, they are all doing great. All 17 of them. Brett and I negotiated on the number of chickens; I wanted fewer, he wanted more. He won that negotiation -- which is funny because I am a contract negotiator. You can't deny a man his chicks, though. And Brett does love chicks.
We have a mixed group of our favorite breeds: Rhode Island Red, Aracaunas, Cuckoo Marans, Buff Orpingtons -- and a new one: Delawares.
Love chick season! I've currently got 21 baby ducklings @ my house + who knows how many baby chicks! My chickens find great hiding spots though and we end up with WAY more chickens than we need :-/
ReplyDeleteDo they lay some of their eggs where you can find them? I always wondered if people with true free range chickens were able to find eggs. We have ours in an enclosure to keep them safe from predators. I wish we didn't have to do that; I love seeing chickens out and about,scratching and pecking everywhere.
DeleteOMG!! I have chick envy.
ReplyDeleteAdded 5 Cream Legbars to the flock about three weeks ago... that makes 25! Mine are into the ugly phase where they remind you that they're descended from dinosaurs lol.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of Legbars -- cross between a Leghorn and a Barred Rock? I think those would be pretty.
DeleteThey will be pretty, are personable (so far), and lay green eggs.
DeleteCan I ask where you purchased your legbars? I want some. I love their poofy hairdoos and green eggs.
DeleteAngie Booth
I have wanted chickens for a long time, but haven't gotten them because
ReplyDelete1- hubby thinks they will be a pain
2- most of our neighbors have lost dozens to the coyotes and bobcats here
I still look at Murray McMurray website and plan...
Rhode Island Reds are my favs I guess because that what my grandma always had. :)
I thought like your hubby before we got chickens. In actuality, they are easier than a cat (as long as you have a safe place for them). Rhode Island Reds are great chickens -- good layers and friendly.
DeleteThey are so cute! I can't wait for when we get our own chicks.
ReplyDeleteSo cute. i really want to get chicks again.
ReplyDeleteThey are so cute!!! They look pretty alert in the pictures, so hopefully they will all be okay! And you have to let Brett win once and a while...especially when it comes to cute baby chickens!
ReplyDeleteBaby fluffballs are so cute... at least until that awkward tiny dinosaur stage! Love them!
ReplyDelete